Shelley Tomko

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce my negative impact on the environment.

I will replace 10 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact neighborhood walkability and express my support for better walking infrastructure.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 120 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will replace or remove from my current diet the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products that are known to contribute to deforestation.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will spend 60 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will spend at least 120 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 10 friends, family and/or colleagues.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.

I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.